AB Government: Inviting investment to the northwest

by ahnationtalk onFebruary 10, 2020117 Views

A new provincial-municipal partnership will create jobs and economic opportunities for communities in northwest Alberta.

Alberta has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership (TMIP) to coordinate the development of a new eco-industrial area in Greenview, about 40 kilometres south of Grande Prairie.

The area will be a global energy and petrochemical manufacturing hub that will support jobs, attract international investment and showcase innovation in the region. The MOU sets the groundwork for future decisions, discussions and planning by the TMIP.

“We’re working with municipalities, Indigenous communities and the oil and gas industry to grow and diversify our economy in a way that is sustainable and innovation-focused. This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to tap into the abundance of talent and potential this region has to offer while restoring investor confidence and sending a strong message that Alberta is open for business.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

The new area, which is already equipped with rail, road and pipeline infrastructure, will focus on attracting large-scale heavy industrial projects that also demonstrate cutting-edge technologies and environmentally conscious practices.

“With the signing of this agreement, the MD of Greenview and our TMIP partners are taking another collective step forward in building a strong, sustainable future for our residents and Albertans beyond our municipal boundaries. Northern Alberta continues to be the critical driver of our provincial and national economies, and Greenview is proud to join with the County of Grande Prairie, the City of Grande Prairie and the Alberta government to transform the full potential of our region into prosperity.”

The MOU is the result of the TMIP’s work to prepare an Area Structure Plan to guide industrial development in the new eco-industrial area. Engagement played a vital role in developing the plan, which included input from the public, industry, Indigenous communities, financial institutions, utility providers, and municipal and provincial government representatives.

“We acknowledge the collaboration of our partners and extend thanks to the Government of Alberta for recognizing the steps we’ve taken to stimulate prosperity. This best-practice undertaking balances and respects Indigenous, environmental and historical concerns. It also contributes to diversifying Alberta’s petrochemical extraction economy into manufacturing. This memorandum of understanding demonstrates how three municipalities can join forces on an initiative to benefit an entire region.”

Leanne Beaupre, reeve, County of Grande Prairie

“The City of Grande Prairie is proud to have been able to do our part to advance this strategic partnership, with the goal of creating an investment-ready zone that will boost the regional and provincial economy to the benefit of us all. We appreciate the provincial government’s support for the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership.”

Bill Given, mayor, City of Grande Prairie

Quick facts

The TMIP was formed in 2017 by the Municipal District of Greenview, the County of Grande Prairie and the City of Grande Prairie to work toward developing a world-class eco-industrial district.